Conservation Position – Santa Fe, NM

Hours and Compensation: Full-time position with potential for advancement. Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2013

Organization Overview:

The New Mexico Land Conservancy (NMLC) is a statewide, non-profit land trust organization, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dedicated to preserving New Mexico’s natural and cultural heritage through land conservation. Over the past ten years, NMLC has protected over 100,000 acres of land throughout the state. NMLC’s 25-year goal is to protect, directly or in partnership with others, one million acres of high conservation-value lands throughout New Mexico, with particular emphasis on lands that provide significant wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, water and other natural resources, scenic open space, cultural and historic sites, and recreational lands at community, watershed and landscape scales.

NMLC achieves its conservation goals by: 1) using conservation easements and other voluntary land protection methods that respect the land and private property rights; 2) educating landowners, other organizations, public policy makers and the general public about land conservation; 3) promoting policy and legislation to further voluntary land conservation and enhance related benefits for private landowners; and 4) working collaboratively with landowners, community groups, public agencies and other conservation organizations.

NMLC is currently staffed by an Executive Director, a Communications & Operations Manager, a Finance & Administration Manager and a Conservation Specialist, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. NMLC is dedicated to the highest quality work, and operates as a learning organization with a work culture based on personal initiative, consensus and teamwork.

Description:

NMLC seeks a qualified and motivated individual to perform land conservation and stewardship, outreach, and project-related fundraising activities in support of the organization’s mission and in accordance with its established policies, plans and strategies. This position reports to the Executive Director, works closely with other staff and Board members, and may supervise conservation interns and volunteers. The eventual title and level of responsibility associated with this position will depend on the candidate’s background, experience and abilities.

Responsibilities:

The primary functions of this position include the following:

· Work cooperatively and effectively with staff and Board to support NMLC’s conservation efforts and establish the organization as a conservation leader in New Mexico and the Southwest.

· Help define and communicate conservation priorities and solutions, and build strategic capacity by identifying and applying innovative conservation methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address important conservation needs.

· Engage internal and external support for statewide conservation efforts by developing effective working relationships with staff and Board, and key partnerships with public and private organizations.

· Negotiate innovative and complex solutions and agreements with landowners and community, non-governmental organization and public agency partners.

· Support development of private and public funding for conservation projects and planning.

· Support development and completion of land conservation projects, including easement/project design, baseline documentation, mineral and environmental assessment, title review and other project-related due diligence.

· Support development of conservation, management and restoration plans.

Outreach and Communications:

· Actively expand relationships with external constituents including landowners, other conservation organizations, community groups and government entities. Partner with public and private entities, as appropriate, for mutual benefit to accomplish NMLC’s mission and leverage resources.

· Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office and the Adobe Suite of products. Experience with GPS and GIS (ArcView) strongly preferred.

· Familiarity with New Mexico and/or similar western landscapes and communities is preferred, particularly an ability to work with rural, agricultural landowners as well as urban landowners.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Willingness to work some overtime, evenings and weekends.

· Willingness to travel frequently and potentially use personal vehicle as necessary in the performance of work-related activities. Travel and mileage expenses will be reimbursed.

· Willingness and physical ability to work in the field.

· Self-starter and well-organized.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to meet established goals and deadlines.

· Commitment to the organization’s conservation mission and ability to maintain strong, positive, collegial working relationships with staff, Board, and outside consultants and professional service providers.

· Willingness to contribute to maintaining an ethical, smooth and efficient working environment with staff, Board and others. Sense of humor appreciated even if it is not that good.

How to Apply: Submit letter of interest, current resume and three references by March 15, 2013.